PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUTO SUPPORTS THE MOVE TO GIVE COUNTY ASSEMBLIES AUTONOMY TO RUN THEIR OWN AFFAIRS
PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUTO SUPPORTS THE MOVE TO GIVE COUNTY ASSEMBLIES AUTONOMY TO RUN THEIR OWN AFFAIRS
By County Assembly Communications Unit
President of the Republic of Kenya H.E Dr. William Samoei Ruto visited the County Assembly of Bungoma on 27th of August, 2023 to commission the new administration block. He said such development projects attest to the fact that devolution is working in Kenya.
In his address, the President expressed the National government's commitment to ensure County Assemblies have financial autonomy in running their affairs in the same manner that National Assembly does through a Bill that will be taken to the Senate and National Assembly.
He noted that the building has a hall that will host public participation events within the County as it is enshrined in the Kenyan constitution. He congratulated the County Assembly for recognizing that the provision of public participation that enables people to participate in management of the public resources.
The president recognized the fact that the building had offices for MCAs to enable them execute their mandate in representation and legislation and challenged other County Assemblies to follow suit.
He called upon MCAs to perform oversight on the government without being compromised in their responsibility to ensure public funds are well utilized. He noted the importance of library in the building for reading and making informed debates in the County Assembly that later translate into enriched legislations for the benefit of the people of Bungoma.
He added that the government was in consultation with Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to settle the existing stalemate over sitting allowances for Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).
The Speaker of the County Assembly of Bungoma Hon. Emmanuel Situma was delighted to host the head of state on such an auspicious occasion that will go down in the history of institution.
Hon. Situma stated that the next key development project in the offing was the construction of a new County Assembly Chambers which the President affirmed his government's support in putting up. He added that the County Assembly had plans of initiating e-parliament system as ways of digitalization its legislative function.
The new administration block of the County Assembly hosts offices for all Members of the County Assembly, offices for the County Assembly Service Board, offices for the leadership of the County Assembly, Office of the Clerk, offices of members of staff in the various departments within the establishment of the institution, an auditorium hall, a library, gymnasium, sauna and restaurant.
The President was accompanied by his Deputy H.E Rigathi Gachagua and leaders from various parts of the country among them Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Moses Wetangula, Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, Governor of Bungoma County Kenneth Lusaka, Governor of Kakamega County Fernandes Barasa, Governor of Vihiga County Wilberforce Otichilo, Governor of Busia County Paul Otuoma, Cabinet Secretaries for Health and ICT and Digital Economy Dr. Susan Nakhumicha, and Mr. Eliud Owalo respectively, Principal Secretary for Ministry of Interior and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo, Leader of Majority in the National Assembly who is also Member of Parliament for Kikuyu Constituency Hon. Kimani Ichungwa, Member of Parliament for Kanduyi Hon. John Makali, Member of Parliament for Kimilili Hon. Didmus Barasa, Central Organizations for Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, former Member of Parliament for Bumula Mwambu Mabonga, all Members of County Assembly of Bungoma among other leaders.
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